Examines the persistence of prejudice, especially about language, at a time when multicultural educational objectives are (apparently) widely accepted. Discusses belief in the "bilingual deficit," views of culture within Scotland, the role of cultural "markers" in religion and language, acculturation in various contexts, and…

An inner-city Maryland school that serves 610 students coming from 37 different countries and speaking 25 different languages has created a caring, inclusive community by providing kids with incentives, stability, and a chance to celebrate their various cultures at a community exhibition center. Dedicated staff accept no excuses for truancy and…

Examines how much heritage language material is available for language minority students in the libraries of a large elementary school district in Phoenix, Arizona. Determines whether there is any relationship between a school's instructional approach for its English language learners and the quantity of heritage language reading material offered.…

A study found four measures that would discriminate 31 predominantly Spanish-speaking children (ages 5 to 7) with normal language from 31 children with language impairments. The measures were: parental report of the child's speech and language skills, number of errors per terminable units, mean length per terminable units, and family history of…

Describes a multicultural inclusive preschool program in which children with and without disabilities communicate by using English, Spanish, and sign language. How students were taught a cross-cultural language lesson by making tostadas during International Foods Week is reviewed. Lists additional lessons with language-based and cultural themes.…

Questions the interpretation that the most urgent task in the context of the introduction of the Code of Practice on Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs in the United Kingdom is assessment that facilitates identification of bilingual learners with special educational needs, as distinct from their linguistic needs. (SLD)

Traces the recent history of the teaching of Australian Aboriginal language in Walgett (New South Wales), and discusses the possible future of this important issue. Until recently, native Australian languages were frowned upon and were not used publicly. Through funding received for several programs beginning in 1996, there has been a dramatic…

Describes a curriculum-based dynamic language-assessment process using a flowchart description of the six steps of the assessment process. A case study of a linguistically diverse student is provided that is designed to allow insight into a student's learning capabilities and to provide direction for instructional planning. (CR)

Describes "Project LEAP," in which English-as-a-Second-Language instructors and peer study-group leaders collaborated with content faculty in development of instructional materials for general-education and linked study-group courses. Presents features of Project LEAP model, implemented at California State University, Los Angeles, an…

Examines Catalan's remarkable revival in Catalonia (Spain) in the past 20 years. Discusses the 1978 referendum designating "autonomous communities," their languages having co-official status with Spanish; increases in Catalan usage in many sectors and among the young; Catalan usage in education; and challenges related to bilingual…

Focuses on issues raised in the late 1990's by the debate about the second major piece of language legislation in Catalonia. Catalonia is a region where devolution and language policies in favor of regional language may have reached limits that are not so much imposed by the national state as by demographic developments within Catalonia itself and…

Suggests that in light of the state of many of the minority languages within the European Union, there are numerous policy imperatives and implications that needs to be addressed in relation to further development of European language policy. Outlines briefly what these might involve by highlighting key principles and discussing these from a…

Examines partnerships between schools and community-based organizations (CBOs) that promote academic achievement among language minority students. Data from national surveys of school-CBO partnerships and onsite observations describe the types of CBOs that partner with schools, the ways that partners work together, and the work they do, noting…

This compact and well-written book considers multiple language use, some of its quantitative aspects, how people feel about multiple languages, and what society should or might do about multiple language problems. A list of comments, criticisms, and suggestions for revision is included with this largely favorable review. (SLD)

Discusses the experiences of Chinese immigrants when first generation children quickly replace the primary language with English rather than becoming bilingual, noting what is lost when languages are lost and how languages are lost, and presenting suggestions for educators to make the process of learning the school language and adapting to…